Defensive tackle Byron Murphy II already broke out into a star during his second NFL season last year. So, it’s not correct to say he’s a breakout candidate again entering the 2026 campaign.
But it’s rather clear, based on what coaches and teammates have said to the media this summer, that Murphy could experience an even bigger season this fall than last year.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald identified the pass rush as where Murphy can still make tremendous strides. The head coach indirectly shared that fact with the defensive tackle through the media at training camp.
“I really expect Murph to have a spike in productivity rushing the passer,” said Macdonald, via Seattle Sports’ Cameron Van Til. “He’s earned it, but he does it every year, and it’s great work for our offensive line.
“He is in a great spot.”
Murphy already had seven sacks in 17 regular season games last season. He also registered seven tackles for loss and 13 quarterback hits.
Expectations High for Byron Murphy II Entering 2026
GettySeattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald delivers clear expectations for defensive tackle Byron Murphy II before his third NFL season.
Expectations have only been high for Murphy since he arrived in Seattle. The Seahawks selected the defensive tackle at No. 16 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.
As a rookie, he only had 0.5 sacks and two tackles for loss, but he impacted games off the stat sheet. Then last season, he raised his performance to a level where he was one of the best defenders on one of the top defenses across the entire NFL.
What could Murphy do for an encore? His teammates say more of the same if not more.
“I expect him to take the next jump. I thought he had an All-Pro season last year,” said fellow defensive lineman Jarran Reed, via Sports Sports’ Brock and Salk. “But it’s coming. His time is coming.”
On Thursday, Van Til compiled a list of complimentary quotes on Murphy from the offseason. The overall sentiment was the same with each one — Murphy is on the verge of NFL stardom.
“Byron wins the leverage battle right away. He’s got the strength to bull rush. He’s got the quickness to go side to side. He’s got the ability to bend if he needs to get to an edge or bend a corner,” said Seahawks left guard Grey Zabel. “I don’t think there’s a ceiling on what he can do.”
“Byron is an unbelievable player that can play at an elite level,” said Seahawks defensive coordinator Aden Durde. “He’s an elite run defender. He got sacks and production last year, but he’s going to show that he is an elite pass rusher too.”
Excitement Around Murphy Entering 2026
GettyDefensive tackle Byron Murphy is entering his third NFL season with the Seattle Seahawks.
With that amount of praise for Murphy coming from players and coaches, it’s hard not to be very excited about what the defensive tackle might do this season.
Murphy probably deserved more recognition than he received during 2025. Despite his seven sacks and other statistics, Murphy didn’t make All-Pro or the Pro Bowl.
But another season with similar statistics for the defending Super Bowl champions and Murphy likely won’t be ignored again. The chances of recognition increase even more if he gets more sacks.
Murphy was one of three Seahawks players with seven sacks last season. Murphy leading the team in sacks once again at defensive tackle would be a very impressive feat. It’s one that’s certainly possible given his level of talent.
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